Thanks to funds raised at last month’s Scarred for Life tribute match, the Margaret River Hockey Club will launch a community program aimed at educating those in leadership or caretaking roles in the intricacies of Mental Health Awareness. Olympian Simon Orchard will attend the session to provide his own insight into mental health and care within an elite sporting group. Hockey club spokesperson Colin Fox said the program was designed to provide people such as coaches, captains, team managers and club seniors with the knowledge and skills to assist their players, teammates and club members. “It’s about empowering people, giving them the tools to recognise when someone is struggling, and knowing what to do and how to do it,” Mr Fox said. “I was really surprised when I realised how much help is out there for people, but we have two problems facing us as a community – firstly, many people are unaware of the warning signs for mental health issues, and they are also unsure where to start when it comes to seeking advice.” Psychologist Caroline Rodgers will present at the free session, with guest speakers including Mr Fox discussing their own experiences with mental health. “This has sparked amazing, deep conversations between our local sporting clubs about improving and maintaining mental health,” Mr Fox said. “The content of the day is going to be empowering and very valuable to our community.” The free session will be held at the Margaret River Education Campus on Saturday March 18. Places are limited, to register contact Colin on 0400 294 737 or visit www.margaretriverhockey.org.au

Thanks to funds raised at last month’s Scarred for Life tribute match, the Margaret River Hockey Club will launch a community program aimed at educating those in leadership or caretaking roles in the intricacies of Mental Health Awareness.

Olympian Simon Orchard will attend the session to provide his own insight into mental health and care within an elite sporting group.

Hockey club spokesperson Colin Fox said the program was designed to provide people such as coaches, captains, team managers and club seniors with the knowledge and skills to assist their players, teammates and club members.

“It’s about empowering people, giving them the tools to recognise when someone is struggling, and knowing what to do and how to do it,” Mr Fox said.

“I was really surprised when I realised how much help is out there for people, but we have two problems facing us as a community – firstly, many people are unaware of the warning signs for mental health issues, and they are also unsure where to start when it comes to seeking advice.”

Big love: The Scarred for Life tribute match raised funds to help the mental health program get off the ground. Photo: Supplied.

Psychologist Caroline Rodgers will present at the free session, with guest speakers including Mr Fox discussing their own experiences with mental health.